Analyzing the Escalation and De-Escalation Framing in Pakistani Dailies: A Case of Baluchistan

Abstract

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, is the least developed, with citizens' dissatisfaction and animosity being key traits. The current study examines the media treatment of the unrestness in Balochistan between December 2022 and December 2023 by applying a content analysis technique, comparing de-escalation and escalation framing through purposive sampling. The leading English dailies Dawn and Quetta-based indigenous The Balochistan Times frame the conflict in terms of human rights, politics, and socio-economic injustices, while Urdu-language newspapers Jang and Intekhab construct it in terms of biopolitical security and legal order. The study suggests a de-escalation framing; pro-people and non-partisan frames should be overwhelmingly penned in national dailies as compared to escalation frames; differences among people, unpleasant happenings without logical context. The study emphasizes the importance of local and international media coverage in addressing the fundamental problems facing Balochistan and inspiring a well-rounded strategy considering the socioeconomic, geopolitical, and political realities of the area.